University of Utah May Ask for NCAA Exemption
SALT LAKE CITY
University of Utah officials may appeal with the NCAA Executive Committee for an exemption that allows the school to use its Ute nickname.
Last week the athletic association’s committee of 12 university presidents and chancellors said that 18 schools should abandon the use of nicknames, mascots and imagery that are hostile or abusive toward American Indians when hosting or playing in NCAA events.
“Obviously, we want them to change their minds on this,” says University of Utah President Michael Young.
The school does have the support and key Ute tribe members and that may be critical in a fight to keep the Ute nickname, which the school has used since 1972. In a statement this week, NCAA President Myles Brand said committee members must take claims of tribal support “seriously.” Still, he compared the use of such nicknames to the “contempt” African-Americans felt was reflected for their race with “black-face minstrel shows.”
“We would not think of allowing nicknames or mascots that disrespect African-Americans,” Brand said.
